Thesis:

Exploring muslims' perspectives on organ donation in Nairobi county, Kenya.

The study sought to investigate Muslims’ perceptions on organ donation in Nairobi County. In particular, the study sought to determine the level of organ donation among Muslims in Nairobi County; to determine the religious, cultural, ethical and social perceptions of these Muslims on organ donation and their relationship with donation rates. The study was underpinned on the theory of reasoned action, the theory of planned behaviour and the normative theory of utilitarianism. A mixed methods research approach was adopted. The study targeted renown 50 Muslim scholars, 107 Muslim opinion leaders and 1053 believing Muslim men and women attending various selected mosques based in Nairobi Central Ward. The study also targeted 15 organ transplant specialists from Kenyatta National Hospital. The study used purposive sampling to select three mosques namely Jamia Mosque, Kojja Mosque and Bohora Mosque where the study was carried out. Purposive sampling was also used to select 6 Muslim scholars and 6 Muslim opinion leaders, two from each mosque and 2 organ transplant specialists/experts. Stratified random sampling was employed to select 289 Muslim men and women attending the three mosques, taking into consideration that not all Muslims may have comprehensive knowledge of Islamic sharia, including its rulings on organ donation. The study used primary data collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and structured interview schedules. Qualitative data analysis was done using content analysis and presented using narratives. As for the quantitative data, descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted aided by the use of SPSS Version 20. Frequencies, percentages, the mean, standard deviation and chi square statistics were computed and presented using tables and charts. The level of organ donation among Muslims in Nairobi County was found to be generally low even though the practice was supported by the majority of them. Also, there was a divided opinion among Muslims in Nairobi County on whether organ donation was supported from a religious, cultural, legal/ethical and social points of view. The study further found that religious, cultural, legal/ethical and social perceptions on organ donation among Muslims in Nairobi County were significantly related with donation rates among them. Overall, the study concluded that the success of efforts taken by stakeholders in the organ donation and transplantation field to enhance organ donation among Muslims in Nairobi County would depend on the extent to which their design cultivated positive perceptions towards the practice along religious, cultural, ethical/legal and social lines. Among the recommendations of this study was that extensive sermons should be conducted by faith leaders in mosques or online platforms to educate and sensitize the Muslim believers on the necessity and benefits of organ donation. Muslim faith leaders should also set aside some Madrassa lessons to cover and address various issues on organ donation and transplantation process given the increasing cases of end stage organ diseases and organ failure. The study also called on Muslim scholars in the country to engage in extensive research and also take a leading role in issuing more and clearer fatwas on organ donation among other recommendations. The study further recommended that medical bodies and other organizations steering organ donation in the country, with the consent of organ donors and recipients, should publish in various platforms such as broadcast print, print media and social media the various success stories involving Muslims in the field.